Criminology and criminal justice are fields of study that incorporate an interdisciplinary perspective to examine the causes and correlates of criminal behavior as well as institutions that respond to such behavior. A degree in criminology and criminal justice provides a well-rounded academic foundation to the nature of criminal offending, victimization, law enforcement, court administration, the law, and both community and institutional corrections.

The Criminology and Criminal Justice program prepares students to understand and effectively respond to the challenges faced by today's criminal and juvenile justice systems. CCJ students better understand and are equipped to successfully navigate the underlying human element of justice systems and the larger community forces that often function as determinants of criminal behavior and victimization. Consistent with Saint Louis University's Jesuit tradition, this holistic orientation to criminology and criminal justice will ultimately strengthen individuals, communities, and agencies through its focus on the humanity of those involved within the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

This major is an ideal fit for students interested in legal studies, law enforcement at the local, state or federal levels, working with adults and juveniles in correctional and community settings, and those pursuing graduate education or a law degree.

Minor: For those pursuing other majors who are also interested in criminology and criminal justice, the program offers a minor.

Career Opportunities

A criminology and criminal justice degree opens doors to a variety of employment opportunities in the criminal/juvenile justice systems and many community agencies and organizations. CCJ students have the opportunity to complete a field work practicum, allowing them to gain valuable, hands-on experience and make professional contacts prior to pursuing employment. Career opportunities in criminology and criminal justice include:

Criminal investigator

Federal government agent

Detective

Police officer

Private security

Correctional officer

Lawyer

Policy analyst

Probation and parole officer

Juvenile Justice Officer

Researcher

Youth worker

Fieldwork Practicum

SLU partners with a wide variety of agencies and organizations all over St. Louis City and St. Louis County to provide CCJ students with diverse options for fieldwork practicum and/or externship experiences. Placement options include working with juveniles or adults in private or public justice agencies at the local, state, or federal level and at a number of community-based agencies that work with at-risk individuals.Graduates might also pursue further education in law or other social sciences in preparation for professional or research careers.

Study Abroad

For students interested in studying abroad, SLU has a wide variety of programs, including a campus located in Madrid, Spain, where students can study abroad while earning SLU credit.

Student Activity and Service Opportunities

SLU has a strong service-learning component. Students can embody SLU's Jesuit mission by using the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. Students can volunteer at organizations around St. Louis, and SLU collaborates with more than 250 social service agencies where students can explore all the areas of criminology and criminal justice with guidance from seasoned professionals.

Faculty and Research

SLU's criminology and criminal justice faculty are nationally recognized as leaders in community engagement with years of professional experience in the field. These faculty members have diverse research interests, including:

Law enforcement

Criminal justice decision-making

Sentencing and punishment outcomes

Disparities in criminology and criminal justice

Correctional Treatment of offenders

Understanding the causes and correlates of crime

Why Choose SLU

SLU's CCJ program is innovative in its approach to improving the criminal justice system by focusing on the human aspects of violence and crime within the justice system and in communities.

SLU is founded on the Jesuit tradition of "educating the whole person." Our programs challenge and engage students intellectually with the latest in theory, research and practice. Our major offers students the opportunity to live what they learn through compassionate service.

SLU is the place you come to change the world. We believe in and are committed to our students' success.

Register today to visit SLU's beautiful 800-acre campus, located in the heart of St. Louis.